How to Choose the Best Smart Oven for Your Kitchen in 2025

How to Choose the Best Smart Oven for Your Kitchen in 2025: Smart ovens have transformed modern kitchens, blending advanced technology with versatile cooking functions to simplify meal preparation. In 2025, these appliances offer features like Wi-Fi connectivity, AI-powered cooking, and voice control, making them a compelling choice for home cooks seeking convenience and precision.

With a wide range of models available, from countertop units to built-in wall ovens, choosing the right smart oven requires careful consideration of your cooking needs, kitchen space, and budget.

Understanding Smart Ovens

Smart ovens are advanced cooking appliances equipped with connectivity features like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, allowing remote control via smartphone apps or voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. They often include AI-driven capabilities, such as food recognition, temperature sensors, and built-in cameras, to enhance precision and automate cooking tasks. Unlike traditional ovens, smart ovens offer multiple cooking modes—baking, air frying, roasting, steaming, and dehydrating—along with pre-programmed recipes and self-cleaning functions. According to a 2025 market analysis, smart oven adoption is growing, with sales projected to increase by 15% annually due to their convenience and versatility.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Smart Oven

1. Cooking Needs and Versatility

Your cooking habits should guide your choice. Consider the types of meals you prepare and the functions you need:

Cooking Modes: Look for ovens with diverse modes like convection baking, air frying, slow cooking, and dehydrating. The Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro, for instance, offers 13 functions, including air frying and roasting, ideal for versatile cooks.
Capacity: Assess the oven’s size based on your household. Compact models like the Breville BOV650XL suit small kitchens, fitting four slices of toast, while larger units like the Breville BOV900BSS can handle a 14-pound turkey.
Presets and Customization: Ovens with pre-programmed settings, such as the Tovala Smart Oven’s barcode-scanning feature for 750 grocery items, simplify cooking. Customizable presets allow you to save favorite recipes for consistent results.

2. Connectivity and Smart Features

Smart ovens stand out for their connectivity, which enhances convenience:

Wi-Fi and App Integration: Models like the Breville Joule Oven connect to apps that provide recipe guides and remote control, letting you preheat or monitor cooking from anywhere.
Voice Control: Compatibility with Alexa or Google Assistant, as seen in the June Oven (2nd-gen), allows hands-free operation, ideal for multitasking.
AI and Sensors: AI-powered features, like the June Oven’s food recognition or the Tovala’s scan-to-cook technology, adjust settings automatically for precise results.

3. Size and Design

The oven’s size and aesthetic should complement your kitchen:

Countertop vs. Built-In: Countertop models like the Tovala Smart Oven Pro (18.5 x 12.32 x 11.75 inches) save space, while built-in options like the Miele 60cm CleanSteel are ideal for larger kitchens.
Build Quality: Durable materials, such as stainless steel in the Breville BOV900BSS, ensure longevity. Look for features like easy-to-clean interiors or pyrolytic self-cleaning, as in the Neff Slide & Hide.
Aesthetics: Sleek designs, like the Miele H 7860’s graphite grey finish, enhance kitchen aesthetics, while compact models like the Beelicous Pizza Oven fit small spaces.

4. Performance and Efficiency

A smart oven’s performance impacts cooking quality and time savings:

Heating Technology: Advanced systems like Breville’s Element iQ with five quartz elements ensure even heat distribution, reducing cooking time by up to 30%.
Speed: Convection fans, as in the Ninja 12-in-1 Smart Double Oven, cut cooking time by up to 65%, ideal for busy households.
Consistency: AI sensors and temperature probes, like those in the Fisher & Paykel Series 9, maintain precise temperatures for consistent results.

5. Budget and Value

Smart ovens range from $150 to over $9,000, depending on features and brand:

Budget Options: The Tovala Smart Oven Pro (~$299) offers steam cooking and barcode scanning at an affordable price.
Mid-Range: The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (~$400) balances versatility and smart features without breaking the bank.
Premium: High-end models like the Miele H 7860 (~$9,599) include advanced features like in-oven cameras and motion sensors for professional results.
Value Assessment: Consider long-term savings from energy efficiency and durability. The Breville Joule’s eco-friendly modes and sturdy build justify its cost for frequent cooks.

6. Ease of Use and Safety

User-friendly interfaces and safety features enhance the cooking experience:

Controls: Intuitive touchscreens, like the Neff Slide & Hide’s 3.7” TFT display, or tactile knobs, as in the Breville Joule, simplify operation.
Safety: Features like Fisher & Paykel’s CoolTouch door or automatic shut-off in the GE Profile Smart Oven ensure safety, especially in homes with children.
App Usability: A well-designed app, like Breville’s, offers recipe guidance and real-time updates, making cooking less daunting for beginners.

Top Smart Ovens for 2025

Based on performance, features, and value, here are standout models for different needs:

Best Overall: Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro (~$550) – Excels in versatility with 13 cooking modes, Element iQ for even heating, and app connectivity. Ideal for home cooks seeking precision and convenience.
Best Budget: Tovala Smart Oven Pro (~$299) – Offers steam cooking and barcode scanning for frozen meals, perfect for busy individuals.
Best for Small Kitchens: Beelicous Pizza Oven (~$123) – Compact, with eight functions and a folding design, ideal for space-constrained kitchens.
Best Premium: Miele H 7860 Vitroline (~$9,599) – Features a touch display, in-oven camera, and Moisture Plus for professional baking.
Best for Families: Ninja 12-in-1 Smart Double Oven (~$279) – FlexDoor and FlavorSeal technology allow simultaneous cooking of different dishes, saving time.

Tips for Choosing Your Smart Oven

Assess Your Cooking Frequency: Frequent cooks benefit from versatile, high-capacity models like the Breville BOV900BSS, while occasional cooks may prefer compact options like the Breville BOV650XL.
Check Compatibility: Ensure the oven integrates with your smart home ecosystem (e.g., Alexa, Google Home) for seamless operation.
Test Before Buying: If possible, visit showrooms to evaluate controls and build quality. Online reviews, like those on CNET or CNN Underscored, provide hands-on insights.
Look for Deals: Check retailers like Amazon or Best Buy for discounts, especially during events like Prime Day.

FAQs

What is a smart oven?

A smart oven is a cooking appliance with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, AI-driven features like food recognition, and multiple cooking modes (e.g., air frying, baking). It can be controlled remotely via apps or voice assistants.

Are smart ovens worth the investment?

For frequent cooks, smart ovens offer convenience, precision, and time savings through automation and connectivity. Budget models like the Tovala Smart Oven Pro provide excellent value, but basic cooks may not need advanced features.

What are the best smart oven brands in 2025?

Top brands include Breville, Tovala, Ninja, Miele, and June, known for reliability, versatility, and innovative features like AI and app integration.

Can smart ovens replace other kitchen appliances?

Yes, models like the Breville Joule Oven, with air frying and dehydrating modes, can replace standalone air fryers or toasters, saving counter space.

How do I maintain a smart oven?

Use the self-cleaning (pyrolytic) function if available, wipe interiors regularly, and update the oven’s software via its app to ensure optimal performance.